A single sign does not necessarily mean that abuse and/or neglect is occurring. However, any of the signs below could be an indication that there is a greater risk to a child’s safety and/or wellbeing. If you are concerned about a child or youth, please call us at 613-747-7800. Learn more about your duty to report.
Type | Definition | Signs* |
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Physical Abuse | When a child is injured or harmed by their caregiver, or when the caregiver fails to do something to protect the child. |
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Sexual Abuse | Any sexual exploitation of a child by a caregiver or someone else. |
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Emotional Abuse | When a caregiver treats a child in an extremely negative way that damages self-esteem and the concept of self. |
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Neglect | A pattern where a child’s caregiver fails to provide basic needs such as food, sleep, safety, supervision, appropriate clothing or medical treatment. |
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*For more information about signs of abuse and neglect, visit the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies’ (OACAS) website.